Susan S Candelaria

Susan “Mama Chips” Candelaria, age 62, of Tucson, AZ, sadly departed from this world in the twilight hours on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025.

Susie, as most acknowledged her by, was born on November 29th, 1962 in Los Angeles, CA, and the youngest of 4 children. Often “the baby” of any group she found herself in, people naturally gravitated to caring for her. And she always did for others as well. She immersed herself in sports as a child, in time, growing to be a well accomplished athlete at LA Wilson High School. Holding a Southern California record for stolen bases for nearly 30 years.

Susie moved around much of her life, but Kona, HI and Tucson, AZ were always where she called home.

Susie was a beacon of kindness to all. She always welcomed you with her warm smile and was never shy when it came to a hug. She was known to many as simply the sweet woman who worked the Cherry St. garage gate at the U of A Basketball games. She was always happy to walk you right to your seat, whether you were lost, or she just wanted to visit with you.

Susie is survived by her longtime partner, Gary Duarte; her children Christopher Gartrell (Jacqueline), Nicholas Gartrell, Andrew Gartrell, and Ruben Duarte; her five grandchildren, Adam, Penelope, Samantha, Theodore, and Shayne; her siblings, Toni (Candelaria) Symmons, Julie (Candelaria) Lawrence, and Michael Candelaria; nieces and nephews, Caitlin (Capilla) Mahelona, Joshua Lawrence, Jaimie Candelaria, Ellie Candelaria, Aurelia Mahelona, Ruby Ann Mahelona, Olivia Mahelona, Mia, Holoa, and Makai’o Lawrence.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Louie Candelaria and Aurelia Padilla, husband, Hugh Gartrell, her Brothers, William Lawrence and Shane Symons, and her nephew, William Aurelio Alaka’inoeau Lawrence.

A memorial service for Susie’s life will be held at Sacred Heart Church Tucson, 601 E Fort Lowell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705, on Thursday, March 13th, 2025. There will be a viewing from 10-11 a.m. and mass to follow.